14 New Cars You Have To See At The 2018 Paris Motor Show

These cars were the creme de la creme.

Expectation were kind of low heading into the 2018 Paris Motor Show. Automakers were dropping out left, right and center. PSA's newly purchased (from GM) Opel division, FCA, and VW Group's Volkswagen division, among others, announced they would not be in attendance, citing cost as the main factor. With so many automakers skipping the show, we doubted that Paris 2018 would live up to its billing as one of the best auto shows in the world. Thankfully, there was plenty to enjoy. We've selected 14 of our favorite cars that were revealed this year in the City of Lights.

Infiniti Project Black S Prototype

We've seen a lot of cool concept cars from Infiniti, but the new Project Black S Prototype may take the cake. It's powered by the Q60's 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 400 hp, but also includes a first-of-its-kind dual-hybrid setup that brings the total output up to 563 hp. Infiniti has pulled this move before - releasing an awesome performance concept car, only to leave us disappointed when the production version doesn't happen. Hopefully, Infiniti will take a risk this time and put it into production.

BMW 3 Series

It's usually a big deal when BMW reveals a new model, but when it's a new 3 Series the excitement is truly palpable. The new 2019 3 Series replaces the old F30 generation with a new platform called G20. This new car is lighter and more powerful than its predecessor and looks similar to its larger G30 5 Series brother (albeit with some Lexus IS-esque taillights). The base 330i produces 255 horsepower from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while the M340i now produces 382 hp from a turbocharged inline-six. Along with an all-new interior, the 3 Series looks ready to do battle with the rest of the compact luxury segment.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Though we actually got to see it a bit before Paris, Mercedes used the show to display its all-new GLE SUV. The GLE was among the oldest models in the range but the all-new 2019 model looks like it has what it takes to compete with segment leaders like the Volvo XC90 and new BMW X5. Power comes from a 255 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 362 hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder, and an AMG version will surely be on its way. In addition to a vastly improved interior, the GLE now offers a third-row seat, which should make it even more competitive in its segment.

Porsche 911 Speedster Concept II

We immediately fell in love with the Porsche 911 Speedster Concept first shown at Goodwood last summer, so we were even more enthralled when the company showed off a more production-ready version in Paris. The Speedster will be limited to just 1,948 units when it enters production, so they'll likely all be sold out and flipped for an incredible profit. If you do get the chance to own or drive one, you'll be treated to a 4.0-liter GT3 flat-six producing 500 hp.

Ferrari SP1 And SP2

As soon as Ferrari revealed the limited edition SP1 and SP2, we knew we wanted them. Both are based on a shortened version of the 812 Superfast platform and each pack around 800 hp from the Italian supercar brand's famed 6.5-liter V12. Unfortunately, they are likely already sold out (unless you have a solid connection with Ferrari enabling special privileges) and neither will be street legal in the United States. It's a bummer because both cars look beautiful in person.

Kia e-Niro

Even though we knew Kia was set to have a global reveal of its all-electric Niro, the final product still managed to impress us. It's called the e-Niro, and the big story is an electric driving range of 301 miles (on European WLTP standards). We already liked the standard hybrid Niro and loved the plug-in hybrid model even more. This all-electric version looks like it will steal a lot of sales away from the Chevy Bolt and may even pull in some Tesla Model 3 shoppers who are sick of waiting for the base model to go on sale.

Hyundai i30 Fastback N

Our next pick, unfortunately, will not be sold in the United States. We will get the quirky Veloster N, but the i30 N and its new Fastback sibling will be kept in Europe only. This is a shame because the i30 Fastback N will be powered by the same 272 hp turbocharged four-cylinder found in the Veloster N, mated to a six-speed manual transmission. As cool as the Veloster is, we think the i30 Fastback N would sell extremely well in the US where hatchbacks tend to be ignored.

Smart Forease Concept

When it comes to building an electric car, Smart seems like the ideal company to take on the task. To celebrate the brand's 20th birthday, it revealed a new concept car called the Smart Forease. This all-electric city car may lack a roof or side windows but looks like an extremely fun way to poke around tight roads.

Mercedes-Benz EQC

Though it was actually revealed last month, the all-important Mercedes-Benz EQC made its European premiere at the Paris Motor Show. Possibly one of the most important SUVs of the year (along with the Jaguar I-Pace and Audi e-tron), the EQC develops 402 hp and 564 lb-ft of torque from two electric motors and a range over of 200 miles. With the EQC's arrival, the luxury EV wars are about to heat up.

Porsche Macan

The Macan has now become Porsche's most successful model, which doesn't surprise us given the popularity of SUVs and crossovers. It was only a matter of time before the Macan needed a refresh and Porsche has shown it off in Paris. We still have to wait for US specs, but Porsche has retuned the suspension, subtly updated the exterior, and revised the interior.

BMW Z4

With all of the big SUV and crossover reveals, it was nice to see some sports cars in Paris. BMW almost didn't build a new Z4 but competitors like the Porsche 718 Boxster helped make it viable. The Z4 will be available with either a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 255 hp or 3.0-liter inline-six with 382 hp. Sorry manual lovers, but this one's automatic only.

Lexus RC

Most companies like to make a big splash at global auto shows but some are content to simply show of subtle facelifts. The 2019 Lexus RC isn't all-new, simply a refresh. Hopefully, the minor changes will be enough to keep the RC competitive when new models like the upcoming BMW 4 Series show up.

Mercedes-AMG A35

We hate it when automakers reveal cars that the US won't receive. Mercedes recently pulled the wraps off its first AMG version of the A-Class. Unfortunately, the hatchback model shown off in Paris won't be sold in the US, though we may get a sedan version. If we do get an A35 sedan, it should be powered by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 302 hp. There is also an A45 coming with over 400 hp.

VinFast LUX A2.0 And LUX SA2.0

Prior to the Paris Motor Show, we didn't know much about VinFast. Now, that has changed. The Vietnamese automaker made a big splash in Paris with the country's first ever mass-produced sedan and SUV. The LUX A2.0 and LUX SA2.0 may not have exciting names, but they are underpinned and powered by BMW. VinFast intends to sell both models to a global market and even has plans to produce a new city car, an electric car, and an electric bus.

View the original article here

14 New Cars You Have To See At The 2018 Paris Motor Show

These cars were the creme de la creme.

Expectation were kind of low heading into the 2018 Paris Motor Show. Automakers were dropping out left, right and center. PSA's newly purchased (from GM) Opel division, FCA, and VW Group's Volkswagen division, among others, announced they would not be in attendance, citing cost as the main factor. With so many automakers skipping the show, we doubted that Paris 2018 would live up to its billing as one of the best auto shows in the world. Thankfully, there was plenty to enjoy. We've selected 14 of our favorite cars that were revealed this year in the City of Lights.

Infiniti Project Black S Prototype

We've seen a lot of cool concept cars from Infiniti, but the new Project Black S Prototype may take the cake. It's powered by the Q60's 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 400 hp, but also includes a first-of-its-kind dual-hybrid setup that brings the total output up to 563 hp. Infiniti has pulled this move before - releasing an awesome performance concept car, only to leave us disappointed when the production version doesn't happen. Hopefully, Infiniti will take a risk this time and put it into production.

BMW 3 Series

It's usually a big deal when BMW reveals a new model, but when it's a new 3 Series the excitement is truly palpable. The new 2019 3 Series replaces the old F30 generation with a new platform called G20. This new car is lighter and more powerful than its predecessor and looks similar to its larger G30 5 Series brother (albeit with some Lexus IS-esque taillights). The base 330i produces 255 horsepower from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while the M340i now produces 382 hp from a turbocharged inline-six. Along with an all-new interior, the 3 Series looks ready to do battle with the rest of the compact luxury segment.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Though we actually got to see it a bit before Paris, Mercedes used the show to display its all-new GLE SUV. The GLE was among the oldest models in the range but the all-new 2019 model looks like it has what it takes to compete with segment leaders like the Volvo XC90 and new BMW X5. Power comes from a 255 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 362 hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder, and an AMG version will surely be on its way. In addition to a vastly improved interior, the GLE now offers a third-row seat, which should make it even more competitive in its segment.

Porsche 911 Speedster Concept II

We immediately fell in love with the Porsche 911 Speedster Concept first shown at Goodwood last summer, so we were even more enthralled when the company showed off a more production-ready version in Paris. The Speedster will be limited to just 1,948 units when it enters production, so they'll likely all be sold out and flipped for an incredible profit. If you do get the chance to own or drive one, you'll be treated to a 4.0-liter GT3 flat-six producing 500 hp.

Ferrari SP1 And SP2

As soon as Ferrari revealed the limited edition SP1 and SP2, we knew we wanted them. Both are based on a shortened version of the 812 Superfast platform and each pack around 800 hp from the Italian supercar brand's famed 6.5-liter V12. Unfortunately, they are likely already sold out (unless you have a solid connection with Ferrari enabling special privileges) and neither will be street legal in the United States. It's a bummer because both cars look beautiful in person.

Kia e-Niro

Even though we knew Kia was set to have a global reveal of its all-electric Niro, the final product still managed to impress us. It's called the e-Niro, and the big story is an electric driving range of 301 miles (on European WLTP standards). We already liked the standard hybrid Niro and loved the plug-in hybrid model even more. This all-electric version looks like it will steal a lot of sales away from the Chevy Bolt and may even pull in some Tesla Model 3 shoppers who are sick of waiting for the base model to go on sale.

Hyundai i30 Fastback N

Our next pick, unfortunately, will not be sold in the United States. We will get the quirky Veloster N, but the i30 N and its new Fastback sibling will be kept in Europe only. This is a shame because the i30 Fastback N will be powered by the same 272 hp turbocharged four-cylinder found in the Veloster N, mated to a six-speed manual transmission. As cool as the Veloster is, we think the i30 Fastback N would sell extremely well in the US where hatchbacks tend to be ignored.

Smart Forease Concept

When it comes to building an electric car, Smart seems like the ideal company to take on the task. To celebrate the brand's 20th birthday, it revealed a new concept car called the Smart Forease. This all-electric city car may lack a roof or side windows but looks like an extremely fun way to poke around tight roads.

Mercedes-Benz EQC

Though it was actually revealed last month, the all-important Mercedes-Benz EQC made its European premiere at the Paris Motor Show. Possibly one of the most important SUVs of the year (along with the Jaguar I-Pace and Audi e-tron), the EQC develops 402 hp and 564 lb-ft of torque from two electric motors and a range over of 200 miles. With the EQC's arrival, the luxury EV wars are about to heat up.

Porsche Macan

The Macan has now become Porsche's most successful model, which doesn't surprise us given the popularity of SUVs and crossovers. It was only a matter of time before the Macan needed a refresh and Porsche has shown it off in Paris. We still have to wait for US specs, but Porsche has retuned the suspension, subtly updated the exterior, and revised the interior.

BMW Z4

With all of the big SUV and crossover reveals, it was nice to see some sports cars in Paris. BMW almost didn't build a new Z4 but competitors like the Porsche 718 Boxster helped make it viable. The Z4 will be available with either a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 255 hp or 3.0-liter inline-six with 382 hp. Sorry manual lovers, but this one's automatic only.

Lexus RC

Most companies like to make a big splash at global auto shows but some are content to simply show of subtle facelifts. The 2019 Lexus RC isn't all-new, simply a refresh. Hopefully, the minor changes will be enough to keep the RC competitive when new models like the upcoming BMW 4 Series show up.

Mercedes-AMG A35

We hate it when automakers reveal cars that the US won't receive. Mercedes recently pulled the wraps off its first AMG version of the A-Class. Unfortunately, the hatchback model shown off in Paris won't be sold in the US, though we may get a sedan version. If we do get an A35 sedan, it should be powered by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 302 hp. There is also an A45 coming with over 400 hp.

VinFast LUX A2.0 And LUX SA2.0

Prior to the Paris Motor Show, we didn't know much about VinFast. Now, that has changed. The Vietnamese automaker made a big splash in Paris with the country's first ever mass-produced sedan and SUV. The LUX A2.0 and LUX SA2.0 may not have exciting names, but they are underpinned and powered by BMW. VinFast intends to sell both models to a global market and even has plans to produce a new city car, an electric car, and an electric bus.

View the original article here

Porsche Brought This Stunning 959 And More Icons To Paris

Including the 959's amazing successors.

Porsche showed off a new 911 Speedster concept, this time painted red, at this year’s Paris Motor Show. Don’t get us wrong, the concept is ridiculously cool, and as only 1,948 examples are planned for the production version, it's also going to be highly desirable. It’s a proper way to end the lifecycle of the highly successful and acclaimed 991 generation.

However, there were some other Porsches on display that activated our salivary glands. Coming straight from the official Porsche Museum in Stuttgart are these icons: 959, 911 GT1, Carrera GT, and 918 Spyder.

The 959 was the first all-wheel drive Porsche that launched back in 1986 and at the time was the world’s fastest street-legal production car with a top speed of 197 mph. It was also one of the most technologically advanced cars of its time. Its all-wheel drive tech was later applied to the 911, spawning the 911 Carrera 4.

It remains one of this writer’s favorite cars of all time. The 911 GT1 was the street-legal version of the GT1 class racing car. Although it was called ‘911’ it really didn’t have much in common with the regular 911 at the time, the 993. However, both shared a frontal chassis. The 911 GT1’s water-cooled, twin-turbo 3.2-liter flat-six came from the 962. Oh, this 911 in name only was also mid-engined.

The race going 911 GT1 was a huge racing success, winning its class at Le Mans. Only 25 examples of the street-legal version were made in 1997, all of which produced 536 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque.

Its successor was the Carrera GT, which didn’t arrive until 2003. Powered by a 5.7-liter naturally aspirated V10 rated at 603 hp and 435 lb-ft of torque, the sole transmission choice was a six-speed manual. It’s not a car for beginners, to say the least. Mid-engined and rear-wheel-drive, the Carrera GT has its roots in LMP1 endurance race cars, but never itself raced. A total of 1,270 units were made by the time production ended in 2007.

Lastly is the 918 Spyder, built from 2013 to 2015. Instead of the V10 it has a 4.6-liter V8 that’s also naturally aspirated but connected to a plug-in hybrid system. Not surprisingly, it sold out about a year after production began.

All of these iconic Porsches have one major thing in common: they were technological testbeds for their respective eras. What will come next? An all-electric high-performance supercar that builds on the Taycan sedan is a pretty good guess.

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Porsche Macan Shows Its Fresh Face In Paris

Updated crossover isn't quite all-new, but should keep it fresh for another few years.

A couple of months ago, Porsche revealed the first images and details of the refreshed Macan, and has since started rolling them down the assembly line in Leipzig. But this is the first time members of the public (or the press for that matter) have gotten to see the updated crossover in the metal.

Unveiled here on the floor of the 2018 Paris Auto Show, the revised Macan doesn't quite represent a complete overhaul of the hot-selling model that first hit the scene in 2014. But it does encompass a wide range of improvements – not least of which can be found under the hood.

While we may have to wait a little longer for US specifications, the European model packs an upgraded 2.0-liter turbo four with improved combustion and a diesel-style particulate filter to make it run cleaner. The base model now produces 245 horsepower, which is actually a little less than the preceding model, but the same 273 lb-ft of torque.

0-62 mph as a result is quoted at 6.7 seconds and top speed at 140 mph while consuming 8.1 liters per 100 kilometers on the New European Driving Cycle. And you can bet there'll be more engine options to follow.

Porsche also retuned the suspension and fitted it with wheels ranging from 18 inches to 21. And it's all wrapped in subtly revised sheetmetal, with dynamic headlights and three-dimensional LED taillights. There are four new color options as well: Mamba Green, Dolomite Silver, Miami Blue, and light-grey Crayon (otherwise known as Chalk).

The interior's been overhauled as well, and fitted with a 10.9-inch touchscreen to replace the previous 7.2-inch display. Buyers will also be able to opt for a 911-style sports steering wheel, an air ionizer, and a Sport Chrono package designed to make the Macan drive even more like a Porsche should.

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